Blog

Running your own business can be rewarding. You get to follow your passion, choose who you work with and potentially make more money. It
sounds irresistible with the flexibility, independence and freedom, however, there is a catch. There are risks but there are also
strategies to help reduce those risksâ€¦
Read More…

Ho, Ho, Ho! It’s coming up to the Holiday Season and you might be thinking of throwing an office break up party or providing your staff with Christmas presents. Without being The Grinch, there are Fringe Benefits Tax implications for both of these scenarios that you need to be aware of.
Read More…

The Tax Office has deployed what they refer to as "mobile strike teams" to uncover business owners attempting to avoid tax, especially to target the cash economy. With plans to visit some 10,000 small businesses in the 2019 financial year nationwide, this follows on from their earlier successful blitz of cash-centric suburbs around Australia. To this end we outline some of the common mistakes the ATO has recently observed.
Read More…

One of the most challenging aspects of starting a new business is sourcing finance. Once you know how much funding you require it’s time to explore your finance options and there are 6 sources of funding available.
Read More…

Starting a New Business is a stressful time with numerous issues to consider. In this article we examine one of those important issues; the need for legal advice and guidance with various factors including contracts, leases and other legal matters.
Read More…

Facebook remains every marketer's dream, with access to around 15 million users Australia wide. Advertising on Facebook may provide your business with the opportunity to expand your customer base without costing an arm and a leg.
Read More…

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, recently passed intestate (no Will) leaving a purported estate worth $108 million. A number of claims have already lodged been lodged which highlights the importance of having a Will. Let’s look at the administrative taxation process involved when you’re left to deal with a loved one’s estate.
Read More…

The ATO has indicated they are casting a wider net when it comes to claims for home office expenses, work-related expenses and ride-sharing income. Find out what’s under the microscope this financial year.
Read More…

Our valuable e-book, The 1 Simple Secret to Growing Your Business has moved from our Home Page to our Marketing Services page to make way for our new e-book The New Business Starter Kit. But we don't want you to lose track of this valuable free resource. We hope you find these videos and resources valuable because they have the potential to give your business a serious competitive edge in your industry.
Read More…

As a business owner and employer there are a number of legislative changes that came into effect on July 1, 2018 which you need to be aware of including Single Touch Payroll, the continuation of the Superannuation Guarantee Charge Amnesty, increased Minimum Wage Rates as well as changes to Penalty Rates and the Unfair Dismissal Threshold.
Read More…

Eureka! You’ve had that brilliant idea for your new business. Before you can open your doors, there are numerous issues to consider and one of those important issues is having a Business Plan and Cash Flow Budget.
Read More…

The Tax Office warns individuals and business owners not to claim 'stock standard' deductions on their tax returns this tax season. Taxpayers mistakenly claim expenses not directly related to their work.
Read More…

In this fourth article in our 8-part series on Starting a New Business, we help you navigate your way through a maze of rules, registrations and regulations. One of those issues is making the right decision on what business insurances you will require.
Read More…

It’s exciting when you have that light bulb moment and you’re hit with an idea for your new business. Before you can open your doors, there are numerous issues to consider and you must navigate your way through a maze of rules, registrations and regulations. One of those importance issues is making sure you carry out the right business registrations.
Read More…

In this series we examine the 9 essential website features you need to convert your website from a static electronic brochure to a lead-generation Marketing Machine. In this article we look at the importance of Headlines, a Live Chat feature, Testimonials & Social Media Links. .
Read More…

Profit is the way we keep score in business. It is achieved through making the right management decisions and it impacts on your business valuation. You simply can't afford to leave any profit on the table.
Read More…

It’s exciting when you have that light bulb moment and idea for your new business. Before you can open your doors, there are numerous issues to consider and you have to navigate your way through a maze of rules, registrations and regulations. One of those issues is the right accounting and bookkeeping software.
Read More…

The end of another financial year is fast approaching. Our 2018 Tax Planning Guide for the end of the 2017/18 financial year highlights some end of year tax planning opportunities which you may wish to consider before June 30, 2018.
Read More…

In this series we examine the 9 essential website features you need to convert your website from a static electronic brochure to a lead-generation Marketing Machine. In this article we look at the importance of Calls to Action and Lead Magnets.
Read More…

It’s exciting when you have that light bulb moment and you’re hit with an idea for your new business. Before you can open your doors, there are numerous issues to consider and you must navigate your way through a maze of rules, registrations and regulations. One of those issues is the right business structure.
Read More…

In this series we examine the 9 essential website features you need to convert your website from a static electronic brochure to a lead-generation Marketing Machine. In this article we look at the importance of blogs, mobile responsiveness and video content.
Read More…

All employers need to perform a headcount as at 1 April 2018 to determine when they need to implement the latest ATO digital initiative - Single Touch Payroll. Employers with 20 or more employees will need to start reporting through Single Touch Payroll from 1 July 2018. Let’s look at what employers need to be doing right NOW.
Read More…

Can’t I use my superannuation? This is a very common question we get asked and in this post we look at what the government restrictions are on accessing your super and the impact of preservation age.
Read More…

According to a recent Telstra survey, only 50% of Australian small businesses have a website. Surely this can't be true! With the same report finding that 62% of customers will stop considering a small business if they can't find information about it online - there can be no doubt that having a website is a fundamental weapon in your marketing arsenal.
Read More…

The ATO recently conducted a blitz in specific suburbs around the country where it identified a suburb as having 'high cash economy risk behaviours'. Due to its success, the Tax Office will maintain its audit focus on cash-based businesses. Could yours be next?
Read More…

Franchising is big business in this country and while buying into a franchise can often be promoted as a ‘gold mine’, the reality is, franchises can also fail. Let’s examine some of the most important things you need in place when buying a franchise.
Read More…

Cash is King, make no mistake, but managing cash flow remains a constant challenge for today's small business owners. In this article we examine the differences between cash flow and profit and the importance of understanding your numbers to maintain a positive cash flow.
Read More…

Cash flow is the life blood of any business. In fact, it can be the difference between success and failure with a lot of business owners walking a tightrope. Let’s briefly examine some of the most common causes of a cash flow crisis.
Read More…

There has been a fundamental shift in the way consumers make their purchasing decisions. The availability of free, high-quality information online has changed the way consumers buy and Inbound marketing has replaced traditional Outbound marketing methods.
Read More…

As a savvy business owner, it’s important to use email marketing. The benefits of Email Marketing almost sound too good to be true – a 4300% ROI for starters! This article will guide you through the first step – how to build your email marketing subscriber list.
Read More…

Over the past five years, claims for uniform and laundry tax deductions have increased. The ATO had sat up and take notice. The ATO AC, Kath Anderson has stated that too many taxpayers’ beliefs around how to claim clothing deductions are wrong. Here, we provide helpful advice and tactics to ensure you're getting your tax deductions right.
Read More…

You might be surprised to know the range of assets you can actually finance. While cars, trucks and equipment are items commonly financed, it is possible to finance boats, buses, planes, computers, dental chairs and office fit outs.
Read More…

Australians claimed about $23 billion of work-related expense deductions in 2015/16, however, the ATO believe a significant proportion of this amount is the result of over claiming of expenses. As a result, the ATO have stated that they will be monitoring higher than expected claims. These are the areas you should brush up on to keep your work related expenses clear.
Read More…

Your website looks good, but it’s not getting visitors, generating leads and converting to sales. The primary difference is that the brochure style websites are all about the company, while lead generation websites are all about the customer. Let’s examine the seven must-have online marketing tools that can help you turn your old website into a lead generation machine.
Read More…

Starting a business can be a maze of research, registrations and red tape. No amount of passion can guarantee your business success but the proverb, ‘failing to plan is planning to fail’ serves as both great advice and a warning for new entrepreneurs.
Read More…

Over the years, negative gearing has become a specialist service in the firm and for that reason we have identified some common areas where property investors often trip up including claiming interest on loans.
Read More…

Starting a business can be a mine field and the risks are high which explains why so many budding entrepreneurs look to buy an existing business or franchise operation rather than start from ‘scratch’.
Read More…

That ‘light bulb’ moment and idea for your new business is exciting but it's only the beginning of the journey for an entrepreneur. The moment of truth comes when start to list all the costs and ...
Read More…

When you're investigating buying a business it's important to do a detailed review of the business's operations, finances, reputation and industry as part of what is called the ‘due diligence’ process.
Read More…

As accountants, the number one thing our business clients want is advice to help them grow their business. In the digital age we believe the secret to growth is marketing and it could be the difference between boom and gloom for any business.
Read More…

Every entrepreneur wants to grow their business but there's no simple formula that guarantees success. In this series of posts we are up to the third way to grow your business, how to increase the value of each sale.
Read More…

Clearly, everyone wants to grow their business. Unfortunately there is no magic potion or silver bullet but we do know there are only four ways to grow a business. In this blog we examine the second method, how to increase the number of times a customer comes back and buys from you.
Read More…

Everyone wants to grow their business, however, there is no 'magic marketing bullet'. Fundamentally there are only four ways to grow a business including, increase the number of customers of the type you want.
Read More…

I must admit I don’t watch a lot of television but I did enjoy the latest Australian season of Shark Tank where budding entrepreneurs seek funding from a panel of wealthy investors (the sharks). While it’s another form of reality TV the show does provide business owners with some valuable business lessons. In this edition we ask the question, should you swim with sharks?
Read More…

I must admit I don’t watch a lot of television but I did enjoy the latest Australian season of Shark Tank where budding entrepreneurs seek funding from a panel of wealthy investors (the sharks). While it’s another form of reality TV the show does provide business owners with some valuable business lessons including the importance of knowing your numbers.
Read More…

I must admit I don’t watch a lot of television but I did enjoy the latest Australian season of Shark Tank where budding entrepreneurs seek funding from a panel of wealthy investors (the sharks). While it’s another form of reality TV the show does provide business owners with some valuable business lessons including the importance of business planning.
Read More…

Last night the Treasurer Joe Hockey handed down the federal budget and stated, “Our future growth will come from growing small business into big business” There is no doubt that small business was front and centre in this budget that according to the Treasurer, “empowers small business to invest, grow and create jobs.”
Read More…

At the start of 2013 we noticed about 10% of our website traffic was coming from hand held mobile devices. By late 2013 this figure had jumped to about 15% but in 2015 we find close to 25% of our website visitors are using mobile devices. Why is this important you might ask?

In this blog I’m going to discuss the seven features your website needs to stand out in the crowd. These features have the potential to give your business a serious competitive edge in your industry.
Read More…

Thinking of Starting a Trades Business?12 Feb '15

In this blog we will going to examine the 4 things every builder, plumber, electrician or tradesman needs to know before they start their own business.

In this blog we are going to look at what you need to know before you select an accounting software program to use in your business. We will then look at specific software programs on the market including MYOB, Xero, Reckon, Saasu and Cashflow Manager.
Read More…

Starting a business is a bit like a game of chess, to succeed you need to make the right opening moves. Let’s look at five opening moves you need to address before you launch your new business.
Read More…

The types of business registrations you will require will depend on a number of issues including your type of business structure, your anticipated turnover and whether you also intend to employ staff.
Read More…

In this blog we are going to examine some of the most popular business structures used in Australia. Let me say upfront, it’s almost impossible to recommend a particular type of business structure without an understanding of your business, your industry, your family structure and your personal financial situation.
Read More…

When it comes to business structures, a lot of business owners think like Pink Floyd, “All in all it's just another brick in the wall”. However, your choice of tax structure is a key part of your business foundations …
Read More…

When it comes to accounting software, a lot of business owners think like Pink Floyd, “All in all it's just another brick in the wall”. However, your choice of accounting software is a key part of your business foundations and one size does not fit all …

When it comes to business registrations, a lot of business owners think like Pink Floyd, “All in all it's just another brick in the wall”. However, the right business registrations is a key part of your business foundations and you can’t afford to miss one …

When it comes to insurance, a lot of business owners think like Pink Floyd, “All in all it's just another brick in the wall”. However, your choice of insurance is a key part of your business foundations. For business start-ups, insurance can seem like just another expense in a long line of costs, however …
Read More…

Marketing and consumer behaviour has changed. You can now buy almost anything online and for most businesses, your website is your silent sales person working 24/7 to generate leads and sales.
Read More…

In the last few years consumer behaviour has changed. We now buy books, music, electronics, shoes and clothing online. In fact, you can buy almost anything online and people even buy professional services online including accountancy services.
Read More…

Video is now a critical part of the marketing landscape and YouTube is the second biggest search engine behind Google. Online video content is 'white hot' and it is important not to ignore this shift in consumer behaviour.
Read More…

Once you have had that ‘light bulb moment’ and come up with that brilliant idea for your new business you want to get started in a hurry. However, before you make any big financial commitment you want to make sure the concept has ‘legs’. Your choice of business structure is a critical decision ...
Read More…

The first taxable payments annual report for clients in the building and construction industry are due with the ATO by August 25 if you are lodging through our office. For other businesses who pay contractors for building and construction services in the 2012/2013 financial year the due date of this report was July 21, 2013.

Over the years we have assisted numerous clients looking to start a business. In fact we are recognised as start-up specialists and along the way we have identified some of the key issues that every budding entrepreneur needs to address in the start-up phase. The press sometimes over simplify the issues but it may come as a surprise to learn that they extend way beyond your choice of business structure, accounting software selection and various business registrations. Before you pull the trigger on your business start up consider this ...
Read More…

Just as evolution in animals dictates that only the fittest survive, in a recession it is generally survival of the smartest.

In this country we seem to have a recession-like economy happening every seven to nine years and almost 75,000 Australian businesses were wiped out in the last downturn. To survive business owners must find a way to plan their way past potential threats including rising interest rates and fuel prices plus declining consumer confidence.

NICHE INDUSTRIES

Latest Blog

TodayHow to Reduce Your Business Risk
Running your own business can be rewarding. You get to follow your passion, choose who you work with and potentially make more money. It
sounds irresistible with the flexibility, independence and freedom, however, there is a catch. There are risks but there are also
strategies to help reduce those risksâ€¦
More >

5 DecTax and Your Christmas Party?
Ho, Ho, Ho! It’s coming up to the Holiday Season and you might be thinking of throwing an office break up party or providing your staff with Christmas presents. Without being The Grinch, there are Fringe Benefits Tax implications for both of these scenarios that you need to be aware of.
More >